Wedge.



J. L. THOMAS.

. WEDGE.

Patented June 14, 1910. v

Allorney JOSEPH LEWIS THOMAS, OF CHICAGO. ILLINOIS.

WEDGE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed August 24, 1909.

Patented June 14, 1910. Serial No. 514.379.

I To all whom "it may concern:

Be it known that I, J osnrn LnwIs THOMAS,

V a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in \Vedges, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to wedges, particularly, adapted to hold iu'xplements heads upon their handles, and the object thereof is to provide a novel and durable device of this class.

In the accompanying; drawing", which illustrates my invention, and forms a part of this specification, Figure 1 is a. perspective view of my improved wedge. Fig. 2 is a similar view looking from the opposite side thereof, and. F ig. 3 is a perspective view of a hammer, illustrating the practical application of my invention thereto.

In carrying out my invention, I employ the rectangular section of metal, tapering transversely from one longitudinal edge to the other, as will be seen by comparison of Figs. 1 and 2. The wedge l is then formed by providing the said sections of material with a series of crimps .1, 2, 3 and at, the intermediate erimps 2 and 3 of which are, as shown, provided with relatively sharp apiece, and the end crinips l and 4 of which, together with the extremities of the same, are rounded as also shown. Thus when the wedge is held in position as shown in Fig.

3, the sharpened crimps 2 and 3, engage securely and tightly, by reason of their sharpened edges, in addition to the wedging action of the device, and further form a rigid connection for the rounded erimps 1. and 4, which, with their free extremities, possess a certain spring action. which not only holds the wedge more tightly in position, but also assists the wedging action of the device.

I'Iaving fully described my invention, I

claim 1. A wedge of the character described, comprising a Z-shaped body portion provided with extended and oppositely bent ends, said Z-shaped body portion being beveled to cause an expansion of the same when being driven into suitable material, and the bent ends of said Z-shaped body portion being beveled to force material against said Z-shaped body portion, substantially as described.

52. A wedge of the character described, comprising a Z-shaped body portion provided with substantially semi-circular oppositely extending bent ends, as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

J. LEWIS THOMAS.

Witnesses:

HORACE F. TEETER, HARRY O. NICHOLS. 

